Book Description
David Spencer has written a book full of truths a young writer will not find articulated anywhere else. Most of us in the theatre gained our "experience" by making mistakes and learning from them. David's book lets you gain the "experience" and skip the mistakes part. Anyone maneuvering the treacherous waters of musicals will find it not nearly so lonely or baffling with this remarkable volume as a companion.
- Richard Maltby, Jr., Director/Lyricist, Miss Saigon, Ain't Misbehavin', Baby
Consider The Musical Theatre Writer's Survival Guide your new best friend in the business.
- Alan Menken, Oscar recipient and TonyAward nominee, composer, Little Shop of Horrors and Beauty and the Beast
At long last: a how-to book written by someone who actually knows how to. It hits so many nails on the head I could barely get through it for the sound of all that hammering.
- Larry Gelbart, Award-winning co-librettist, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and librettist, City of Angels
For its practitioners, musical theatre is an art, a passion, and a lifelong love. But it's also a complex landscape involving not merely principles of craft about book, music and lyrics, but also principles of collaboration, script/demo presentation, project/production development, venue, business, and - everybody's area of uncertainty - politics.
In The Musical Theatre Writer's Survival Guide, award-winning musical dramatist and teacher David Spencer provides a guide-to-the-game that helps you negotiate all those aspects of the business and more. This professional handbook will walk you through:
- getting your name and your projects into the hands of producers, instead of the rejection pile
- choosing the right producer, agent, or director, instead of surrounding yourself with people uninterested in your work and your careeror interested for the wrong reasons
- bringing your vision to life through stage-savvy writing, instead of watching it sputter due to flaws in craft
- living a happy, healthy life in musicals, instead of dying a slow, showbiz death.
If you're taking your first steps, Spencer's counsel, anecdotes, and instructions will save you years of blindly stumbling about without results. Likewise, if you've been around the block a few times, The Musical Theatre Writer's Survival Guide can rescue you from the kinds of career-stalling traps, bad habits, and false assumptions that lead to dead ends.
Customer Reviews:
Simply essential .......2006-11-27
THE MUSICAL THEATRE WRITER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE is, one the whole, an excellent and much-needed resource. This is not so much a book about how to write a musical, but what to do with it once you have written it. The most valuable parts for me were the sections dealing with collaboration. Author David Spencer discusses not only how to deal with writing partners, but also with the other collaborators, like the director, the producer and the designer. He also gives practical advice about the most effective way of presenting the reading and making the demo recording. He goes into great detail about what any material that you send out should look like. These parts of the book alone make it worth owning.
I felt that Spencer jumped the track toward the end with a lengthy discussion of setting up one's own recording studio, which would have been much better as an appendix, rather than in the main body of the book. My other quibbles with the book are the rather gag-inducing Sondheim worship and the author's frequent tooting of this own horn. (I found the section dealing with awards and grants depressing because it only pointed up the unlikelihood that material by a maverick like me would ever be considered.) There are a couple of minor errors (such as when he says that William Redfield played Rosencrantz in Burton's HAMLET, when in reality he played Guildenstern) and there is a glaring use of "principle" as an adjective, rather than "principal." But in general, I found this an invaluable book that absolutely needed to be written. Every serious musical theatre writer should have his own copy. This one is simply essential.
Indispensable, Unique Reference for Musical Theatre Writers.......2006-10-01
I am an aspiring musical theatre writer with no real experience yet, but reading this makes me feel like I have twenty years of experience under my belt! It seems that Mr. Spencer has thoughtfully included, out of his own widespread experience in the biz, absolutely every thought, information, helpful tidbit or advice that I think EVERY new or seasoned musical theatre writer will find very, very helpful. He is very intentional about sharing stories and information to help young writers avoid pitfalls and mistakes he once made, or is familiar with. Every chapter flows well, is thorough, well-structured, & intriguing to read. I am sure I will continue looking back to this for frequent reference as I continue pursuing this career. Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for this invaluable resource!! It is worth more than every penny!
BUY NOW!!.......2006-09-17
This will sound incredibly cheesy, but it's the honest-to-god truth: reading David's book made me feel like he was sitting across the room from me giving away free valuable life lessons. He is eloquent and knowledgable, and honest! He doesn't hold anything back about the cut-throat nature of the business, but at the end of the day, he wants you to succeed, and that's why (i think) he wrote the book. I'm a young composer and I'll be applying to the BMI workshop for next fall. I can only hope to be accepted so I can learn from him firsthand. Thanks David!
And it's even funny! .......2005-10-13
In-between buying this book and finishing it, I auditioned for and was admitted to the BMI program of which Mr. Spencer writes (if everything goes well, I'll get the benefit of his wisdom in-person next year).
However, I can honestly say right now that this is THE book for everyone who doesn't have access to a workshop or specialized program, as well as those of us who do. Mr. Spencer apparently remembers everything he's ever learned about the art of making a musical and passes it on in this splendid, concise, and entertaining volume. A must-buy, and that's the plain, unvarnished truth.
Invaluable!.......2005-09-18
The Musical Theatre Writer's Survival Guide is invaluable from the instant you're hit by the "Hey, let's make a musical!" idea, all the way to choosing the best font for your finished score. Spencer provides exhaustive practical answers to every question you might possibly have-and to questions you never even knew you should be asking: What makes a good libretto? Effective music? Lyrics? What about collaborators? Directors? Contracts? Put another way, to the budding builder of an Empire State Building confronted by a daunting pile of unsorted bricks and bolts, Spencer's the guy who tells you which brick to put where, and how-from the foundation all the way up to the spire. An amazingly comprehensive work, which should be in every writer's library.
Book Description
This complete guide to writing the modern musical covers the entire process of creating a show, from finding and working out the initial idea, through the writing of both songs and libretto, to the ways in which writers can market a finished show and get it produced. Written in a lively and user-friendly style, it is the first book to provide detailed information on the entire process by Broadway insiders. With many Broadway shows between themincluding Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatCohen and Rosenhaus tell readers how to break into the glamorous and competitive world of Broadway musical theater.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource.......2007-05-13
This is a first class book; well worth the money. I'm writing my first musical, and I got many many tips and ideas. It was very helpful to watch the authors create their own new musicals, so that I could observe some of the process. It would be helpful for the reader to be very familiar with a broad set of musicals, or be willing to do some research; the authors draw comparisons to other shows throughout the book. Most I knew, but a few I did not. They seem to love Sondheim (thankfully I saw "George" the week before). They crack a bit on Les Mis - one of my fav shows. Outstanding book.
The Best Book on the Subject.......2007-02-13
I've read many of the other books about writing musical theatre, and this is hands-down the best one. Not only is it thorough and informative, but it is the only book to my knowledge that has in-depth advice about the actual music element. This is an essential read for anyone writing a musical, or anyone who is curious about how they are constructed.
This book is divided in sections, and explains more about the actual creative process than any other similar book. The authors provide helpful examples and honest advice, and they are not at all about self-promotion like the other leading book on the subject. This book will be as helpful to experienced writers as it will be to novices.
A very good place to start!.......2006-05-02
There is no book available now that tells you everything you need to know to write a musical, but there are several out now that can collectively give one a very good idea of how to go about it. Latest in the field is WRITING MUSICAL THEATER by Allen Cohen and Steven L. Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus and Cohen have written a very useful book that can at least get you started. As the authors themselves say, there is no better way to learn than to actually do it and to keep doing it. Other books cover some of the same material, but where this book really has something new to say is in the section dealing with the music.
The most daring section of the book (and perhaps the most useful) is the part where they actually set out to write two new shows for illustrative purposes. One is an adaptation; the other is an original. Their goal was not to create great works of art, but to show how to go about writing a musical. Neither of their examples is going to set the world on fire. In the real world they would in all likelihood be flops, but they brilliantly illustrate the practical problems that arise and some possible solutions. (Bravi, guys, and thanks.)
My only real quibbles with the book are in the bibliography where they list A CLASS ACT, CLOSER THAN EVER and STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW as important musicals. (I would love to know by what logic they arrived at those pronouncements.) They also list Johnny Mercer as an important lyricist of theatre music (none of his really good work was written for the theatre and much of his reputation is a result of self-promotion through his ownership of Capitol Records) and Dorothy Fields is not mentioned. Nor do they place Sheila Davis's brilliant THE CRAFT OF LYRIC WRITING on the recommended reading list. (I consider it The Bible of lyric writing!) They do not place Bernard Grebanier's PLAYWRITING on that list either. (There is no better analysis of what makes a plot anywhere.) But despite these quibbles, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to the aspiring musical writer. It is an excellent place to start.
Invaluable Musical Theater Guide.......2006-05-02
Allen Cohen and Steven L. Rosenhaus have written a wonderful guide to writing musical theater appropriately title WRITING MUSICAL THEATER. The book is invaluable not only for the aspiring composer, lyricist, and book writer but also for any lover of America's great art form who wants to know just how a show is put together. The experience of the authors (both active practitioners and educators) is evident on every page. I can heartily recommend this book to the student and the aficionado.
Reviewing: Writing Musical Theater.......2006-04-25
This book was recommended to me, and I have been quite pleased with the depth and structure with which the book gradually leads the reader through the complexity of first understanding what makes musical theater tick, and then in Part II, takes us on a journey of how to shape an idea into the reality of a full blown musical show.
This book is filled with excellent references, and examples, in clear, easy to understand forms, and takes the reader through the benefit of many years of obvious on-the-job development from both the authors. Drs. Cohen and Rosenhaus have definitely hit a chord with this book. On to Book 2 gentlemen!
I hope this becomes a staple of every Musical Theatre Program across the country, as it's an excellent, comprehensive guide to understanding how musical theater works, and why. From students experiencing their first musical to professionals in the field starting into the journey of writing a musical, this a book they do not want to be without. If a student listened to each reference song in Part I of this book alone, they'd have a thorough schooling in the history of musical theater.
I recommend this book to anyone looking to understand how to write, what to write, and the context that the writing needs to address in the broad spectrum of Musical Theater today.
Book Description
A classic updated to include the developments of the 1990s-the first book to explore in detail how to create a Broadway musical
Brimming with advice and techniques, this essential reference for book and song writers clearly explains the fundamentals of the three crafts of a musical-book, music, and lyrics. Using copious examples from classic shows, Frankel has created the quintessential musical writers' how-to. Among the topics:
- Definitions of musical theater
- Differences between musical books and straight plays and between poetry and lyrics
- What a score is and how it develops
- How to write for the voice
- How to audition musicals for producers
With a new introduction and revised text, Frankel's work is ready to guide a new generation of aspiring writers.
Customer Reviews:
Good basics.......2006-01-18
This book gives a good foundation for basic elements of a musical script. I bought this wanting to write a musical script but not necessarily the lyrics/musical score and am a complete novice - was a bit lost on the different musicals it quoted. However another book that is quite "meaty" in terms of how to write a compelling gripping story/script for theatre is "The Writers Journey" surname is Vogler. What Frankel says is that the book or story needs to be written first before appropriate lyrics/musical score can be created. So I would have gone straight to this book first. Good as reference but can borrow from library, not a must have.
Thorough, Well-Organized Guide for Playwrights.......2004-09-03
Frankel's concise, clear volume on writing large-scale musicals is a welcome addition to the bookshelf of anyone who wants to understand how this peculiar theatrical genre works-- when it does. By focusing on two artistically successful, well-known pieces in the canon-- "My Fair Lady" as a well-executed classic musical with linear plot, "Company" (my personal favorite) as a well-executed plotless musical whose songs move character forward--, Frankel can support his intelligent teaching points with concrete yet familiar examples. I'm very happy to see this book back in print.
Power-packed handbook.......2001-05-17
In only 192 pages, Frankel presents writing for the musical theatre from the perspective of the book writer, lyricist and composer -- and how each contributes to the whole. Enough specifics for each to gain a better appreciation of the others' unique contributions. The book would be an excellent introductory text for a musical theate workshop. Most examples from My Fair Lady are illustrative and excellent; other examples from Company were less helpful (as that show was less successful). Highly recommended for those working on musical to keep near at hand.
176 pages of solid advice.......2000-12-30
Many of today's top talents in musicals on and off Broadway have studied with Aaron Frankel. Now anyone can learn the ropes from this honored director and instructor in a step-by-step guide that makes for good reading whether you are a writer, composer, or simply an avid theatergoer. I enjoyed the previous edition and found this revised and updated one an even more interesting read.
Writing the Broadway Musical.......2000-10-24
Aaron Frankel writes with the voice of helpful and comprehensive experience. He is a writer - and teacher - of the highest order, and there are important points made in this book that are of great value to actors, directors and producers, as well as the playwrights for whom the book is primarily intended. Mr. Frankel is one of the few authors who expresses himself with both a clear, accessible style and a with a talent for engaging the reader every step of the way.
Book Description
An entertaining and informative new guidebook to the creation of the musical show, filled with anecdotes, practical advice, and sparkling commentary from the biggest Broadway insiders.
Customer Reviews:
A Hugely Useful Handbook.......2003-01-26
Stephen Citron has written the bees-knees of musical theatre, in a unique, detailed yet highly entertaining and easy-to-read book. Sections are easily identified and will be a bible to composers, librettists, lyricists, directors and producers of musicals, or those wishing to enter this field.
"The musical: from the inside out" explores every step of the creation process of a musical, from the first idea to the creation to the auditions to it's closing night.
It's extremely fascinating and explores length, composition techniques, orchestration, writing a book, to the title and format and, best of all, includes real, often detailed quotes and explanations from creators such as Steven Sondheim to Hal Prince, Andrew Lloyd Webber - amongst many others.
The bible of all bibles for musical theatre workers. Well done!
Fun and Informative.......2002-02-12
An excellent text for the neophyte wishing to try his hand at the creation of a musical or for the amateur (like me) who is curious to know exactly how a musical is made. Full of quotes from famous pros and always readable. Highly recommended.
Sloppy and inaccurate throughout.......2000-04-30
Although the author has some degree of insight into the process of creating musicals, it is mostly very basic information. And apart from that, this book is so filled with factual errors as to almost completely invalidate from serious consideration as a text on musical theatre. I hate to think of the amount of misinformation that anyone who doesn't know much about musicals would come away with as a result of reading this book.
A Very Thorough Exploration.......2000-02-14
Citron's book is one to have on technique when it comes to working on creating new musical theatre. I will not work without it!
A Very Thorough Exploration.......2000-02-14
Citron's book is one to have on technique when it comes to working on creating new musical theatre. I will not work without it!
Average customer rating:
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Bat Boy Off Broadway.(Brief Article): An article from: American Journalism Review
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Title: Bat Boy Off Broadway.(Brief Article)
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Writing the Broadway Musical
Writing Musical Theater
Words with Music: Creating the Broadway Musical Libretto
Making Musicals: An Informal Introduction to the World of Musical Theater
Stage Writers Handbook: A Complete Business Guide for Playwrights, Composers, Lyricists and Librettists
